Hamarikyu Gardens

Overview

Hama-rikyu is an exquisite Edo-era landscape garden sitting at the edge of Tokyo Bay, uniquely surrounded by towering modern skyscrapers. It features seawater-fed tidal ponds and a traditional tea house on an island.

Highlights

• Nakajima Tea House: A traditional tea house on a small island in the largest pond, serving matcha and wagashi (traditional sweets) with views of the Shiodome skyscrapers.
• Tidal Ponds: The garden's ponds are connected to Tokyo Bay, meaning the water level rises and falls with the ocean tides — unique among Tokyo's gardens.
• 300-Year Pine: A magnificent black pine tree planted by the sixth Tokugawa shogun around 1709, still thriving after more than 300 years.

History

Originally a duck hunting ground for the Tokugawa shoguns, established in the mid-17th century. It served as a detached palace for the Imperial family before being donated to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and opened to the public in 1946.

Visitor Tips

• Water Bus: Take the Tokyo Cruise water bus directly from Asakusa to the Hama-rikyu pier for a scenic arrival.
• Morning Visit: The gardens are most peaceful in the early morning before tour groups arrive.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.